Metal-organic coordination-enabled layer-by-layer self-assembly to prepare hybrid microcapsules for efficient enzyme...

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Nanotechnology
• Biotechnology

Background:

• Developing stable and functional microcapsules is crucial for applications in drug delivery and catalysis.
• Existing methods often face challenges with mechanical strength and enzyme retention.

Purpose of the Study:

• To create novel polymer-inorganic hybrid microcapsules with enhanced stability and enzyme loading capabilities.
• To investigate a layer-by-layer self-assembly approach utilizing metal-organic coordination.

Main Methods:

• Utilized a layer-by-layer self-assembly technique involving modified alginate (Alg-DA) and titanium(IV) bis(ammonium lactato) dihydroxide (Ti(IV)) on CaCO3 templates.
• Employed N-ethyl-N'-(3-dimethylaminopropyl) carbodiimide (EDC) and N-hydroxy succinimide (NHS) for alginate activation and dopamine conjugation.
• Demonstrated microcapsule stability through osmotic pressure experiments and evaluated enzyme (catalase) encapsulation and surface attachment.

Main Results:

• Successfully fabricated alginate-titanium hybrid microcapsules with high mechanical and thermal stability.
• Achieved high enzyme loading capacities (450-500 mg g⁻¹ for encapsulated, 100-150 mg g⁻¹ for attached catalase).
• Demonstrated no enzyme leakage after 48 hours, indicating excellent retention.

Conclusions:

• The developed layer-by-layer self-assembly method offers a robust route to stable polymer-inorganic hybrid microcapsules.
• The microcapsules exhibit excellent enzyme loading and stability, suitable for long-term storage and operational applications.
• This approach holds promise for advanced material design in fields requiring stable encapsulated or surface-bound biomolecules.